Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Cleveland Heights-Based Rib Cage Opens Next Wednesday in Ohio City

In March, we revealed plans by the Cleveland Heights-based Rib Cage Smokehouse (2214 Lee Rd., 216-321-RIBS) to expand to Ohio City. Today we learned that opening day will be Wednesday, May 23.

Since 2012, the Rib Cage in the Cedar-Lee District has been dishing up Southern-styled barbecue that is smoked on site in a custom-built brick pit. Owner Robert Hill, along with sons Robert, Ronnell and Brandon, has built up a loyal following for his restaurant’s slow-smoked brisket, ribs and chicken, all of which is served up in a relaxed saloon setting.

click to enlarge

Rob Hill

That's the plan going forward in Ohio City as well, says Hill, who quickly turned around the Orale Contemporary Mexican space (1834 West 25th St.) into warm and woodsy saloon.

In addition to smoked meat dinners built around brisket, half chickens, turkey ribs, spare ribs, baby back ribs, pulled pork and chicken wings, there are a variety of sandwiches. A range of sauces includes Carolina mustard-vinegar, spicy bbq, Jamaican jerk and sweet Thai chili. The Rib Cage also prepares fried, grilled or blackened fish dinners made from tilapia, perch and catfish, and sides like candied yams, red beans and rice, bourbon baked beans, collard greens, mac and cheese, and fresh-cut fries. To start, there are rib tips, alligator bites and fried green tomatoes.

Rib Cage will have a full bar.

click to enlarge

Rob Hill

click to enlarge

Rob Hill

Sign up for Scene's weekly newsletters to get the latest on the news, things to do and places to eat delivered right to your inbox.